India used the 17th BRICS Summit (2025) in Rio de Janeiro to spotlight the lack of Global South representation in key global institutions. PM Modi called for reforms in global governance and condemned cross-border terrorism, aligning BRICS with India’s core diplomatic concerns.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Global Governance Reform
- PM Modi highlighted that 2/3rd of humanity is not adequately represented in 20th-century global institutions.
- Called for inclusive and credible reforms of international institutions like the UN Security Council.
- BRICS Declaration reflected support from Russia and China for India and Brazil’s aspirations to join UNSC.
Voice of the Global South
- PM Modi emphasized “double standards” faced by developing nations.
- Stressed that representation is not just about fairness but also about global decision-making effectiveness.
BRICS Expansion
- Welcomed Indonesia as a new BRICS member, showing the group’s flexibility and relevance in current times.
Counter-Terrorism Stand
- BRICS leaders strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Urged for the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN level.
- Acknowledged the threat of cross-border terrorism, aligning with India’s long-standing concern.
International Law and Conflict
- BRICS condemned Israel-U.S. military strikes on Iran, citing violation of international law and the UN Charter.
- Reaffirmed commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts through multilateral institutions.
BRICS: Basics
- BRICS is an acronym for five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- Founded in 2009 (originally BRIC); South Africa joined in 2010.
- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined in 2024 following the 15th BRICS Summit’s expansion decision
- Argentina was invited in 2023 but declined membership later.
- Aimed at promoting multipolarity, global financial reform, and South-South cooperation.
- Key Focus Areas: economic development, political coordination, multilateral reform, climate change, and sustainable development.
- Operates via annual summits, a New Development Bank (NDB), and forums on health, education, innovation, etc.
BRICS and Global South
- Global South refers broadly to developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.
- BRICS positions itself as a voice for the Global South, challenging Western-dominated institutions.
- Advocates for equitable global order, fair trade, technology transfer, and decolonization of development finance.
- Pushes for reform of the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.
Why Global South Representation Matters
- Many global institutions (e.g., UNSC, IMF) were shaped post-WWII and do not reflect current power realities.
- The Global South houses over 70% of the world’s population but remains underrepresented in global decision-making.
- PM Modi: “Representation is not just about fairness, but also about the credibility and effectiveness of global institutions.”
